Buccaneers cut WR Michael Clayton, 19 others to trim roster to 53-man limit

WR Clayton among players released by Buccaneers

TAMPA, Fla. — Receiver Michael Clayton was among the cuts announced Saturday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set their 53-man roster.

Clayton was a first-round draft pick in 2004, when had 80 receptions for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns — all records for a first-year player in Tampa Bay. Even though his production declined sharply after that, Clayton signed a five-year contract worth about $26 million before last season.

The seventh-year pro played sparingly in the preseason after having a career-low 16 catches for 230 yards and one TD in 2009.

The Bucs also released cornerbacks Brandon Anderson, Derrick Robinson and Trae Williams, quarterback Jevan Snead, running back Carlos Brown, fullback Rendrick Taylor, offensive lineman Marc Dile, tackle Xavier Fulton, safety Vince Anderson, tight ends Jeron Mastrud and Ryan Purvis, defensive ends James Ruffin and George Johnson, linebackers Rico McCoy and Lee Robinson, center Donovan Raiola, and defensive tackles Dre Moore and Carlton Powell.

Center Jonathan Compas was waived injured and tackle Demar Dotson was placed on injured reserve.

Cornerback Aqib Talib was placed on the reserve/suspended list. He will miss the Sept. 12 season opener against Cleveland while serving a one-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.